Blogger Joel DeBoer turns to tungsten jigs to pursue panfish

Dec. 18, 2013

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For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com

One of the most sought-after species in North America through the ice, panfish provide arctic anglers an opportunity to pursue their quarry in a variety of environments ranging from quaint farm ponds to massive bodies of water.

Fishermen looking to consistently catch slab crappies and bull ígills from the ice belt need to be versed in an array of techniques. One of the hottest and most productive innovations in recent memory for panfish anglers is the tungsten jig.

Tungsten is a lead-free, non-toxic element that is approximately 30 percent heavier than an equivalent-sized piece of lead and 70 percent denser. What this means for the avid ice angler is a jig that offers superior feel and thus better bite detection, and itís the ultimate tool for combating wind, water and current resistance. Tungsten jigs such as the Drop series of lures from Clam are go-to presentations for cold fronts, high-pressure weather systems and when fishing noisy, pressured situations.

There are several tips to using tungsten jigs successfully for winter panfish, beginning with maintaining a 45-degree angle with the flat eye hook to achieve optimum top-of-the-mouth hooking. Lures such as the Drop series come stock with the proper hook angle and can be maintained by using a Clam pro tackle jig cleaner to clean the eyelet. Other tools such as eyebusters can chip paint, distort the eye angle and even cut the eyelet right off.

When unhooking fish, a tool such as the Clam pro tackle hook remover will back out hooks without causing paint chipping or bending the hook, unlike other tools such as needle-nosed pliers. The repeated bending of such fine-diameter hooks ruins the temper and ultimately results in breakage.

Tungsten jigs operate best on braided line such as Sufix 832 Advanced Ice Braid paired with a 2-pound or 4-pound Sufix 100 percent Fluorocarbon Invisiline leader for optimum stealth and sensitivity. When used with a Frabill Straight Line reel to eliminate line twist and thus elicit more strikes, this combination can be downright deadly for trophy bluegills, crappies and yellow perch, no matter the body of water.

Joel DeBoer is a Professional Musky Guide, Author, Internet Personality, Outdoor Educator, and Tournament Angler. He can be reached through his website at: http://www.wisconsinanglingadventures.com. Joel will be sharing hunting, fishing, and other outdoor-related information through the perspective of one of North-Central Wisconsin's most successful and accomplished guides.